Niah's Entrance

Cathy and I have adjusted well to the reality of being grandparents. Niah was born healthy and alert. Mom and daughter are doing well. It was great as a dad to watch the interactions of the new parents with their daughter as well as that of both sets of grandparents. Already respectful and appreciative, Niah I believe in her short lifetime has brought us even closer. As the family gathered around the room, grandparents, new parents and one uncle, David Gregg, we prayed that Niah would come to know God's love and that we would provide for her the guidance, teaching and mentoring she would need to fulfill God's purpose for her life.

This new chapter promises to be exciting; all that others have told us that it would be. I look forward to getting to know Niah and seeing God's plan unfold for her life. I'm already praying that her heart be receptive to the message of His love for her as well as to her future. For those who I'll come to see in the next few days: I have pictures... lots of them.

On a holding pattern...

Cathy and I are on a holding pattern. Things have been gathered and are ready to load into the car the minute we get the call that our grandaughter, Nia, is on the way. Of course we are praying that Kristine has a safe and uneventful delivery and that both she and Nia are well. We appreciate the prayers and support of all our friends and family. Amanda and Andy as well as Timothy are looking forward to being the Aunt and Uncles. And I know that both Kristine and Jonathan can't waith to hold their precious daughter. They've anticipated her arrival with joy and some anxiety. I'm praying that they will be the parents God intends, and that the grandparents show wisdom and live a godly example as well.

Busy.... Busy

It's been awhile since my last blog, but I thought I'd jot a line saying that I'm busy, obviously too busy to blog. The church is doing great, and IBI is back in session as well. We've had new students enroll for the spring semester. We're also embarking on a new mission point as a church. Brother Barnett has been endorsed and sent by our church to Sheridan, Indiana. Check out his newsletter on our church website. He will continue to help with the school and serve as president.

On a personal note, Cathy and I are excited about the upcoming birth of our first grandchild. We find ourselves meandering into the baby section of stores when we're out together.

Family Time

It was good to see Jonathan and Kristine at Thanksgiving, and Amanda and Andy just this week. I miss them all, but I'm proud of each of my children. Tim's got a new job for which we're thankful. I'm looking forward to seeing the family in the next few days. We'll be heading out for Arkansas to visit with extended family there and spend time with them. Cathy and I are also looking forward toward the trip in March when we will get to hold our first grandchild. We're praying for all our children and their families and loved ones.

Please keep the ministries of LBC in your prayers. IBI and MTL could use additional monthly support and prayer partners. God's been good to us and we've been blessed and are blessed to be a part of His kingdom work.

God's Gift...

I'm a scrooge at Christmas. That's strange for a pastor to say I guess, but the fact is, I think the holiday has become too commercial. Materialism and capitalism have taken over. Each year the fervor over this holiday is about the bottom line, rather than the simple message I believe it should convey. To me, the meaning of Christmas isn't shopping or fighting to get the sale items. (Cathy and I actually went to try to get in on the "fun" after Thanksgiving Day) Stores begin to gear up for "Black Friday" and what they hope is a good holiday season that will result in a good final quarter. The news is buzzing with speculations and prognostication about the prospective mood and spending mind-set of the American people. Topping it all off, Christian Radio reports that Chicago is banning the new movie on the Birth of Jesus due to open in December because it might offend non-Christians. Christmas is all about the birth of Christ. It is offensive to see it monopolized into a commercial venture or banned because of it's message in the religious and political world's arena. Therefore, I'm sure to some people my attitude and angst during the holidays because of how they have devolved and denigrated, makes me a scrooge.

Christmas is about a manger and the miracle of Christ's birth as well as His message and mission. This is true whether society, politicians, educators or pundits who are non-believers might say or attempt to do to discredit, dissuade or divert from the psyche of society. God incarnate in the Person of Christ. The birth that came that first "Christmas Day" was God's gift to the world. Not just the birth of Christ, but what it would lead to; the Cross. Jesus came in order to die on the Cross for our sins. But the Christmas story doesn't end there. There's also the empty tomb, proof that victory has been won over sin, death and the grave. It is His victory and He extends it to each and every one. That to me would make a great holiday display; a cradle, a cross, an empty grave and a crown; all the work and purpose of Christ. That's Christmas; God's gift to man and it is indeed, good tiding of great joy to all people. May the Peace of Christ, the Prince of Peace, impact your heart and our world this Christmas.